Neuraminidase inhibitors (RX)

Mixed

Influenza infection treatment in Children with Flu

EVIDENCE | REASONABLY TESTED - 6 studies with 2,356 children

EFFECTIVENESS | MILD BENEFITS

SAFETY | MILD RISKS

Treatment with Neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g. zanamivir, oseltamivir). 6 studies conducted, with 2,356 children. Shortens the duration of the Flu symptoms by 1 day on average, and may reduce ear infections. Impact on other complications remains unclear. Mild side effects, including vomiting.

Neuraminidase inhibitors (RX)

Mixed

Influenza infection prevention in healthy Children

EVIDENCE | NEEDS MORE TESTING - 3 studies with 863 children

EFFECTIVENESS | MILD BENEFITS for prevention of symptoms

SAFETY | MILD RISKS

Preventive treatment with Neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g. zanamivir, oseltamivir). 3 studies conducted, with 863 children. Prevents 1 case of influenza transmission when given to 12 children in households were a member already has the Flu. Mild side effects, including vomiting.

Amantadine and Rimantadine (RX)

Mixed

Influenza infection prevention in healthy Adults

EVIDENCE | WELL TESTED - 21 studies with 25,783 adults

EFFECTIVENESS | MILD BENEFITS

SAFETY | DANGEROUS

Prevention of influenza A with Amantadine and Rimantadine. This treatment has been replaced by neuraminidase inhibitors and is no longer used in the USA. 21 studies conducted, with 25,783 adults. Prevents 25% of influenza-like-illness in and over 60% of confirmed flu type A infections during influenza A epidemic outbreaks. Unknown impact in flu complications. Both drugs have irritating stomach and gut effects, while Amantadine may also impair the nervous system and lead to psychiatric symptoms.

Amantadine and Rimantadine (RX)

Mixed

Influenza infection treatment in Adults with Flu

EVIDENCE | REASONABLY TESTED - 13 studies with 1,151 adults

EFFECTIVENESS | MILD BENEFITS for fever

SAFETY | MILD RISKS

Treatment of Influenza A with Amantadine and Rimantadine. This treatment has been replaced by neuraminidase inhibitors and is no longer used in the USA. 13 studies conducted, with 1,151 adults. Shortened the duration of fever by about one day. Unknown impact on complications. Both drugs have irritating stomach and gut effects, while Amantadine may also impair the nervous system and lead to psychiatric symptoms.

Amantadine and Rimantadine (RX)

Mixed

Influenza infection prevention in healthy Children

EVIDENCE | NEEDS MORE TESTING - 5 studies with 1,007 children

EFFECTIVENESS | MILD BENEFITS

SAFETY | DANGEROUS

Prevention of influenza A with Amantadine and Rimantadine. 5 studies conducted, with 1,007 children. Amantadine prevents 5.88% of confirmed flu type A infections during influenza A epidemic outbreaks, while Rimantadine is ineffective. The impact of both on complications is unclear. Both drugs have irritating stomach and gut effects, while Amantadine may also impair the nervous system and lead to psychiatric symptoms.

Amantadine and Rimantadine (RX)

Mixed

Influenza infection treatment in Children with Flu

EVIDENCE | NEEDS MORE TESTING - 3 studies with 382 children

EFFECTIVENESS | NEGLIGIBLE BENEFITS for fever

SAFETY | DANGEROUS

Treatment of Influenza A with Amantadine and Rimantadine. 3 studies conducted, with 382 children. Reduces the fever on the 3rd day of treatment for 1 in 6 treated children, and ineffective for other symptoms. Unknown impact on complications. Both drugs have irritating stomach and gut effects, while Amantadine may also impair the nervous system and lead to psychiatric symptoms.

Flu Nasal Aerosol (vaccine)

Damaging

Influenza infection prevention in healthy Toddlers

EVIDENCE | NOT TESTED

EFFECTIVENESS | UNCLEAR

SAFETY | DANGEROUS

Flu nose spray vaccine with “live” (weakened) viruses. No valid studies conducted, probably since it is regarded as too risky for toddlers. Therefore, no data exists on benefits. High risk potential. Known serious harms.

Amantadine and Rimantadine (RX)

Damaging

Influenza infection prevention in healthy Seniors

EVIDENCE | NEEDS MORE TESTING - 4 studies with 838 seniors

EFFECTIVENESS | INEFFECTIVE

SAFETY | DANGEROUS

Prevention of influenza A with Amantadine and Rimantadine. This treatment has been replaced by neuraminidase inhibitors and is no longer used in the USA. 4 studies conducted, with 838 seniors. Ineffective in prevention of flu type A infections. Both drugs have irritating stomach and gut effects, while Amantadine may also impair the nervous system and lead to psychiatric symptoms.

Flu shot (vaccine)

Unclear

Influenza infection prevention in healthy Seniors

EVIDENCE | POORLY TESTED - 1 study with 1,348 seniors

EFFECTIVENESS | UNCLEAR

SAFETY | MILD RISKS

Flu shot vaccine with “dead” inactivated viruses. Only 1 valid study conducted on benefits and risks, with 1,348 seniors. More research needed. May prevent symptoms, but does not prevent flu complications. Strong side effects.

Flu shot (vaccine)

Unclear

Influenza infection prevention in Children with Cancer

EVIDENCE | NEEDS MORE TESTING - 10 studies with 770 children

EFFECTIVENESS | UNCLEAR

SAFETY | MILD RISKS

Flu shot vaccine with “dead” inactivated viruses in children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. 10 studies conducted, with 770 children. Generates a relatively mild immune response during chemotherapy. Prevention of flu symptoms and complications is unknown and was not measured. Mild side effects.

Neuraminidase inhibitors (RX)

Unclear

Influenza infection treatment in Children with Cystic Fibrosis with Flu

EVIDENCE | NOT TESTED

EFFECTIVENESS | UNCLEAR

SAFETY | DANGEROUS

Treatment with Neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g. zanamivir, oseltamivir). No studies conducted, and therefore no data exists on benefits. Seems safe for Oseltamivir. Mild known side effects, including vomiting. Zanamivir may evoke asthma attacks and is risky for children with Cystic Fibrosis.

Neuraminidase inhibitors (RX)

Unclear

Influenza infection treatment in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis with Flu

EVIDENCE | NOT TESTED

EFFECTIVENESS | UNCLEAR

SAFETY | DANGEROUS

Treatment with Neuraminidase inhibitors (e.g. zanamivir, oseltamivir). No studies conducted, and therefore no data exists on benefits. Seems safe for Oseltamivir. Mild known side effects, including vomiting. Zanamivir may evoke asthma attacks and is risky for adults with Cystic Fibrosis.

Amantadine and Rimantadine (RX)

Unclear

Influenza infection treatment in Seniors with Flu

EVIDENCE | NOT TESTED

EFFECTIVENESS | UNCLEAR

SAFETY | DANGEROUS

Treatment of Influenza A with Amantadine and Rimantadine. This treatment has been replaced by neuraminidase inhibitors and is no longer used in the USA. No valid studies conducted. Therefore, no data exists on benefits. Both drugs have irritating stomach and gut effects, while Amantadine may also impair the nervous system and lead to psychiatric symptoms.

Influenza, commonly known as “the flu”, is an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus. Symptoms can be mild to severe. The most common symptoms include: a high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pains, headache, coughing, and feeling tired. These symptoms typically begin two days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week. The cough, however, may last for more than two weeks. (source)